Gorakhpur : Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has announced a major achievement for his hometown Gorakhpur, which has climbed to fourth place in the Swachh Bharat Survey 2025 for cities with a population between three to ten lakh. This remarkable leap from 74th place just three years ago to 22nd last year and now fourth is a testament to consistent efforts under the Gorakhpur Cleanliness Drive. Addressing a gathering at the Safai Mitra Safe City Honour Ceremony held at the Gorakhpur Municipal Corporation, CM Yogi urged city officials, sanitation workers and citizens to aim for a top-three position in the next survey. He said that the milestone reached so far was the result of dedication, collective effort and a strong will to change the face of the city.
In recognition of the relentless efforts of sanitation workers and civic leaders, several councillors and cleaning staff were felicitated during the ceremony. CM Yogi also distributed symbolic cheques under the Safai Mitra Welfare Fund and flagged off 12 new sanitation vehicles to boost the city’s cleanliness infrastructure. In a significant move, CM Yogi launched and laid the foundation stone of 177 development projects worth over Rs 253 crore. Among these was the inauguration of Uttar Pradesh’s first Urban Flood Management Cell and Early Warning System that will help prevent waterlogging by monitoring drains in real-time using modern technology.
The Chief Minister also reviewed the model of the Integrated Solid Waste Management System at Suthni Bhiti Rawat, a project central to Gorakhpur’s rising status in the national cleanliness rankings. Short films were screened during the event to showcase the city’s evolution from a neglected town to an emerging model of urban transformation. Gorakhpur, once infamous for its open drains, filthy streets and unchecked encroachments, has steadily redefined its civic landscape. With wider roads, better drainage and increasing public participation, the city has emerged as a cleaner, smarter urban centre.
The newly established Urban Flood Management Cell is expected to revolutionize how the city deals with heavy rains and flooding. Key areas like the Godhoiya drain will be monitored using sensors and data systems that provide early warnings and ensure quick response during adverse weather. Alongside these technical advancements, Gorakhpur Municipal Corporation has opened a digital library that will be accessible even to former councillors, aiming to foster continuous learning and civic awareness. In another social reform measure, the city inaugurated an Animal Birth Control Centre in Gulharia to tackle the growing population of stray dogs and monkeys, which had become a growing concern for citizens.
The beautification work around Ramgarh Tal under Phase 2, valued at Rs 35.41 crore, was also completed and formally opened. The lakefront, now emerging as a tourist attraction, has seen significant development over the last few years. CM Yogi further encouraged a spirit of healthy competition among municipal wards, proposing awards and recognition for the cleanest areas. He stressed that residents must be made more aware of proper waste disposal methods and encouraged door-to-door campaigns to build civic responsibility at the grassroots level.
During his address, CM Yogi spoke of a broader vision for India’s future, linking cleanliness and urban development to the national goal of becoming a developed country by 2047. He emphasised that improved sanitation, health facilities, use of smart technology and public involvement would be the key pillars of this transformation. Several major urban infrastructure projects were launched during the event. These included construction of new roads, sewers and drainage systems across multiple wards, internal roads and sewerage at the Waste Processing City in Suthni, new zonal offices at Transport Nagar and Ranidiha, beautification of Lal Diggi Park, a 75-bed working women’s hostel in Siktaur, a global complex and co-working space at Transport Nagar Crossing and road widening projects from Nakha Overbridge to Hadahwa Phatak Road via Ramjanaki Nagar.
CM Yogi concluded his address by reminding officials that public money must be used judiciously and that there should be zero tolerance for compromise in the quality of any development project. He also participated in a Rudrabhishek at the Mansarovar Temple earlier in the day and extended Shravan Shivratri greetings to the people of Gorakhpur. With sustained efforts, a clear roadmap and unwavering public support, Gorakhpur’s march towards becoming one of the cleanest cities in India seems well within reach.
